According to the charge sheet, investigators reviewed bank transfers, Zelle, Cash App and other electronic payments showing the couple paid US$18,741 toward the price. Mr. Wowoh, however, admitted to investigators that he received only US$9,200 from Mrs. Acquah as part payment, the charge sheet says
MONROVIA – The Liberia National Police has charged Eric W. Wowoh, founder and executive director of the civil society organization Change Agent Network, with theft of property, receiving money under false pretences and criminal conveyance of land, in connection with a land transaction involving a couple based in the United States.
By Selma Lomax, [email protected]
According to a police charge sheet dated October 6, 2026, Mr. Wowoh was arrested on September 16, 2026, by Detective Joseph S. Nagbe at the LNP headquarters in Monrovia. The document lists no accomplices and says the case is to be forwarded to court.
Complaint filed through lawyer
The case stems from a complaint filed on September 11, 2026, by Mrs. Rebekah Acquah and her husband, Mr. John Acquah, who reside in Rhode Island. They reported the matter to the police’s Crime Services Department through their lawyer, Atty. Stephen B. Lavelah of the Kailando and Associates Law Firm.
The couple alleges that Mr. Wowoh, who is associated with the organization, received US$18,741 toward the purchase of a property valued at US$30,500. The property consists of two lots of land with a structure under construction in the Rock Church Community, Duazon, Margibi County.
How the deal allegedly unfolded
Police say the Acquahs approached Mr. Wowoh in 2024 to help them find land in Liberia. In December 2024, he allegedly agreed to sell them part of his own property: US$5,500 for the two lots and US$25,000 for the house, totaling US$30,500.
According to the charge sheet, investigators reviewed bank transfers, Zelle, Cash App and other electronic payments showing the couple paid US$18,741 toward the price. Mr. Wowoh, however, admitted to investigators that he received only US$9,200 from Mrs. Acquah as part payment, the document says.
Police say that in February 2025 Mr. Wowoh handed the couple the legal documents for the property, including the administrator’s deed, warranty deed and transferred deeds. The charge sheet describes the deed as valid and legitimate.
But investigators allege that he later secretly retrieved the same documents and sold the property to another buyer, acting with criminal intent to resell it. The charge sheet also notes that Mrs. Acquah paid US$482.34 in taxes to the Liberia Land Authority (LLA) for the property.
Charges and legal basis
After its investigation, the police resolved to charge Mr. Wowoh with theft of property/receiving money under false pretense and criminal conveyance of land. The charges are brought under Chapter 15, Subchapter A, Sections 15.5 and 15.23 of the Revised Penal Code of the Republic of Liberia.
Concerns for civil society
The charge against the head of a civil society organization is likely to draw attention to the conduct of leaders in Liberia’s non-governmental sector. The charge sheet does not say the alleged transaction involved the organization’s funds or activities, and it does not accuse the organization itself of wrongdoing.
The document was signed by Commander-in-Charge R. Smith. It records Mr. Wowoh as a Liberian of Lorma descent, born in Fissibu Town, Lofa County. Mr. Wowoh could not be reached for comment.
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